By Elizabeth Majaham
KOTA KINABALU: DE Sunday, 30th August, 2009
The Local Government and Housing Ministry has revoked the appointment of former Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (SHTDA) General Manager Sylvester Disimon as Penampang District Chief.
Native Chief Johnny Molijoh confirmed this when contacted by Daily Express Saturday. He said District Officer William Sampil informed him about it when he went to see him on Friday morning.
However, he declined to disclose the reasons. The revocation was delivered to Disimon through the DO in a letter.
Disimon’s appointment was to take effect next month, replacing OKK Christopher Mojungkim.
Christopher had protested strongly against Sylvester's appointment particularly since he only came to know of his pending termination in a local paper which reported Disimon’s appointment.
He did subsequently receive a letter dated July 23, 2009 and signed by Native Affairs Council Director Mohd Said Hinayat informing him that he was to be replaced.
Mojungkim had dismissed the idea of being too old, at 66, to carry out his duties, insisting that he could contribute another 15 years.
Furthermore, there was no provision in the Native Affairs Constitution for age limit, he had argued. He had been a village chief for eight years before assuming the position of District Chief.
Disimon’s appointment had been proposed by the Kadazan Sabah Society (KSS) of which he is the Deputy President. It invoked protests from certain quarters in a contention that the issue was not discussed among BN component parties and not in line with the normal practice of appointment presented via the elected representative of the constituency.
Linundus says ...
Sylvester has received his letter of revocation on his appointment as District Chief Friday 29 August. He respects the decision of the Ministry to impose "cooling period" for now.
Termination letter of Christopher Mojungkim dated 23-07-09 should remain effective which he denied receiving until August 12. Sylvester's letter of appointment was dated 3rd August, 2009.
Mojungkim's denial should be clarified by D.O. Penampang since the revocation letter signed by Native Affairs Council Director Mohd Said Hinayat was submitted through the Penampang District office.
It is mischievous of Daily Express to report that "Disimon’s appointment had been proposed by the Kadazan Sabah Society (KSS) of which he is the Deputy President."
Sylvester's appointment was proposed by ADUN Moyog and, upon agreement by MP Penampang and verified by DO Penampang, Native Affairs Council Director Mohd Said Hinayat then issued the letter of appointment - all in the proper manner.
YB Donald Datuk Mojuntin (ADUN N20 Moyog) should clarify this matter.
"It invoked protests from certain quarters in a contention that the issue was not discussed among BN component parties and not in line with the normal practice of appointment presented via the elected representative of the constituency."
If the above procedure is in practice, may be someone should inquire on the appointment of Johnny Molijoh and Adrian Sikawah as Native Chief whether BN component parties have discussed and their appointments agreed upon.
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Courtesy from Hornbill Unleashed
” I received in my email the following English translation of an article by Syed Imran entitled “Antara Pendatang dan Penumpang” in the original Bahasa Malaysia version. I know it has been doing the rounds on the Internet for some time. But it is still worthy of reproduction on our blog, so that faithful HU readers will have a chance to see an alternative view to the whole emotive debate on race. —— SKY ”
All immigrants
To begin with, I was quite reluctant to comment on the mess created by the statement made by Ahmad bin Ismail, the head of the Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang UMNO Division.. Whether he made the statement in reference to Chinese Malaysians is no longer the question, as the issue has spread and has been hotly debated.
If it is not handled carefully and smartly, this issue could make clear water murky, giving opportunity to parties who are keen on seeing this country crash, not to mention falling into the hands of foreigners. In today’s borderless world, international electronic media coverage makes it difficult for any country to hide or deny any given event.
The main issue brought up by Ahmad Ismail revolves around the question of “squatters”, that is, that Chinese Malaysians are squatters in this country. He explained that he was referring to pre-independence days. However, it had hurt the sensitivity of the Chinese Malaysian community.
Personally, I don’t agree with what Ahmad Ismail said for the following reasons.
To me, nearly 90 percent of Malaysians, especially those in the Peninsula, are immigrants, and all of us are actually squatters in the land of Allah anyways. We are anything but permanent owners, we are merely squatters.
For example, I come from a family that squatted in this blessed land. My paternal grandfather and grandmother migrated from Mecca and Brunei, while my maternal grandmother came from Hadramut, Yaman. We are immigrants and squatters, as are almost everyone else in this country.
As for Ahmad Ismail, he is also an immigrant having descended from an immigrant’s family who squatted in this country. Ahmad Ismail cannot deny the fact that his grandfather and grandmother moved from India to this country in search of a better life in this blessed land.
Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister, is also a descendant of an immigrant Bugis family that came from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Hishammudin Hussein cannot escape the fact that there is Turkish blood running through his veins.
The Malacca Malay Sultanate was founded by an immigrant coming from Sumatra — Parameswara, a prince who practised Hinduism.
A reading of the history of Malay Sultanates would reveal that some of them were founded by Bugis immigrants, while others were of Hadramut and Minangkabau parentage.
Almost all Malays living in this country are from outside Tanah Melayu, but are defined as “Malay Race” by the Federal Constitution. We are “Malay” in definition by the Constitution, that is, we are Muslims; we practise Malay customs and speak the Malay language. Unfortunately, the Malay language itself seems> to have been killed by the Malays in UMNO when they named it the Malaysian language (Bahasa Malaysia).
Therefore, Arabs like Syed Hamid Albar and myself, Achehs like Sanusi Junid, Indians like Kader Sheikh Fadzir and Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Bugises like Najib, Minangs like Rais Yatim, Jawas like Mohamad Rahmat, and others from Madura, Pulau Buyan, Siam, Myanmar, Yunnan (China) and the Philippines are conveniently categorized as Malays.
They are accepted as Malays regardless of whether they speak Malay or otherwise at home like those of us who speak Arabic, the Jawas that speak Jawa, the Minangs that speak Minang, or the Mamak that speak Tamil.
These languages are anything but Malay if we look at it from the perspective of the Federal Constitution, so they should never have been declared Malays. But for the sake of political correctness, all of them are accepted as Malays and “Earth Princes” (bumiputra).
grandmothers migrated to this country in the days of the Malacca Malay Sultanante, some of whom did so during the period of Kedah Sultanate, Terengganu Sultanate and Kelantan Sultanate respectively. After Francis Light wrested Penang from the hands of the sultan of Kedah in 1786, more Chinese had arrived here.
We are all immigrants squatting in this country. Only the Negrito, Jekun, Semang, Jahut, Orang Laut, Orang Darat, Senoi, and other indigenous people groups (like the Kadazandusuns, ibans and bidayuhs) can be correctly considered the original inhabitants of this country.
We must never forget the contributions and sacrifices made by all the races in building our nation in all its aspects, including the economy, social structure, national defense and, most importantly, national unity. We are all taxpayers whether or not we are descended from immigrants or squatters.
A physicist who has spent years researching the tilma bearing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is affirming that there is no scientific explanation for the phenomenon.Adolfo Orozco stated this in a presentation given at an International Marian Congress that took place Aug. 6-8 in Phoenix.The congress, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Phoenix Diocese and the Institute of Guadalupan Studies, was dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.Orozco gave a presentation on the image of the Virgin imprinted on St. Juan Diego's tilma, stating that it is "completely outside" any scientific explanation.He explained that due to the humid, salty environment around the basilica where the tilma is kept in Mexico City, the cloak material should have decomposed years ago.In fact, the researcher noted, this is what happened to a painted copy of the image that was made in 1789, on a material similar to the original tilma.Although the copy was preserved behind glass, like the original, it had to be discarded eight years later because it was falling apart and the painting was fading, the physicist reported.The original image, however, which was imprinted on the cloak when the Blessed Virgin appeared to the saint, remains intact after 478 years.Orozco told his audience that this phenomenon is heightened by the fact that it should have been destroyed twice, once when nitric acid was accidentally spilled on a section of the cloth, and another time when a bomb exploded close to it.He affirmed that there is no natural explanation for how the image has survived undamaged through time and potentially destructive events such as these.
By Ripin Mintow
PENAMPANG: Come September 1, Sylvester Disimon will report for duty as the new District Chief here, taking over from retiring OKK Christoper Mojungkim who has appealed for an extension of his service.
Disimon’s application for the OKK post was approved by the Local Government and Housing Minister a letter of appointment was issued and signed by Native Affairs Council director Mohd Said Hinayat.
The 62-year-old received his letter of appointment on Aug 3, and had submitted his acceptance of the post to District Officer William Sampil on Aug 10.
Disimon’s application for the OKK post was recommended by Moyog assemblymen Donald Datuk Peter Mojuntin, with the blessings of the Member of Parliament here, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.
All appointments of District Chief, Native Chief, WKAN (Native Chief Representative), Kapitan Cina and Ketua Kampung must be recommended by an assemblyman. On the same motion, the assemblyman also has the power to recommend termination of their services.
Disimon’s appointment was met with strong objections from several village heads from here, including Mojungkim whose service was terminated on 23 July through the Penampang District Leaders’ Welfare Association headed by Michael Kubot.
Mojungkim, 66, contended in his appeal letter to Donald that he still has many more years in him to be the OKK.
Donald subsequently met with Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Haji Hajiji Mohd Noor and it was decided that an amicable solution be made as soon as possible.
Several interested parties here also proposed for a ‘cooling period’ between Mojungkim and Disimon.
It was learnt that two days ago, Disimon was called for a meeting with Dompok and Donald. The meeting lasted three hours during which the two leaders advised Disimon not to accept the OKK post and not to report for duty on Sept 1.
However, when Disimon said he would report for duty, Dompok and Donald also proposed for a ‘cooling period’ to pave the way for amicable solution to be made in the interest and dignity of the Native Court here of which the OKK is the chief of the Native Court’s judges.
Disimon asked for the cooling period time frame but it appeared there was none. He informed Dompok and Donald that since he had been issued with the appointment letter and had accepted it, come September 1, he will be sitting on the OKK chair.
There was no conclusion of the meeting after three hours.
Whatever it will be, should Mojungkim’s termination letter and Disimon’s appointment letter be revoked, it will set a precedence for such case to occur in future.
It will reflect badly on the government’s objective to be transparent in all its dealings. It will show bad governance.
A check with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) showed that the Penampang District Leaders’ Welfare Association is not a registered body.
Adapted from The Borneo Post Sunday, August 23, 2009.
Kota Kinabalu's Penampang district, long the troublesome heartland of Kadazan (urban Dusun) nationalism in Sabah, is witnessing an epic struggle for the coveted District Native Chief's (DNC) post.
The do-or-die affair, evidently the tip of the proverbial iceberg, is between two senior citizens past 60 who are 2nd cousins from the Wong Sim Ting clan in Penampang.
The incumbent, OKK (Orang Kaya Kaya) Christopher Mojungkim,66, claims that he has been appointed DNC for life.
There's no provision in the Native Affairs Constitution that he has to retire at 65 years of age, says Mojungkim.
Disimon, citing from his "letter of appointment", stressed that it's evident that a DCN "so appointed" is subject to the Sabah General Orders and other government regulations issued from time-to-time . . . meaning that "Mojungkim should do the disappearing act".
Disimon (top right) claims that he "applied for the post" on the recommendation of the state assemblyperson for Moyog, Donald Mojuntin, and with the blessing of Penampang MP Bernard Giluk Dompok and had his bid verified by Sampil.
READ MORE HERE MalaysiakiniI refer to the statements made by the Chairman of Penampang Community Leaders Welfare Association (PCLWA), Michael Kubot and incumbent District Chief OKK Christopher Mojungkim which appeared in the Daily Express Saturday, August 15, 2009 and wish to make the following clarifications:-
My application for the post of Penampang District Chief was recommended and signed by ADUN MOYOG (N12) with the blessing of MP Penampang (P117).
It was also verified by the District Officer Penampang that I was applying for the post of Penampang District Chief to replace OKK Christopher Mojungkim who was due for retirement before it was sent to the Ministry of Local Government & Housing (MLG&H) for consideration and approval.
The appointment letter was issued to me on 3rd August 2009.
I accepted the letter of appointment and have handed to D.O. Penampang William Sampil on 10.08.09 witnessed by KAN Marcus Johnioh and few others. (Refer The Borneo Post Report Tuesday, 11th August, 2009).
The terms and conditions of employment for District Chief are among others:-
Ø “Tuan tertakluk kepada Perintah Am Negeri Sabah, Arahan-Arahan Pentadbiran dan Peraturan-Peraturan Kewangan serta Peraturan-Peraturan lain Kerajaan yang dikeluatkan dari masa ke semasa.
Ø “Perkhimatan tuan boleh diberhentikan oleh Kerajaan dengan member sebulan notis pada bila-bila masa tanpa memberi sebab-sebab atau alasan. Jika keadaan memerlukan, perkhimatan tuan mungkin diberhentikan tanpa memberi notis, dan dalam hal demikian tuan akan menerima sebulan elaun.”
It is very clear in the terms and conditions of appointment that a person so appointed as District Chief is subject to Sabah General Orders and other governmental regulations issued from time to time.
The termination of service is for the Government to serve one month notice at anytime without giving reasons. In the event that a person’s service is terminated without notice, a month allowance is payable in lieu of one month notice.
In the case of OKK Christopher, he was served a month notice w.e.f. the date of termination letter dated 23rd July 2009. He admitted receiving it through Penampang District Office on 12th August. Based on this letter his last day of service is therefore on 22-08-09.
Michael Kubot claimed that OKK Christopher “was sacked from his job without any prior notice” and that “there is no provision in the Native Affairs Constitution that stated the District Chief must relinquish his job once he has reached 65”.
As a former government officer, I am certain that Mohd Said Hinayat, in his capacity as the Director of Native Affairs Council, would have surely looked into those terms and conditions of employment before he issued the notice of termination and letter of appointment to OKK Christopher and me respectively.
Sylvester Disimon
District Chief designate
Penampang: The State government was on Friday asked to conduct a thorough study on the job termination procedure of District Chiefs by taking into consideration the views and opinions of elected representatives, village chiefs, Native Chiefs (KAN) and Native Chief Representatives (WKAN).
Chairman of Penampang Community Leaders Welfare Association (PCLWA), Michael Kubot said the organization is saddened by the way District Chief OKK Christopher Mojungkim was terminated from his post.
“The question is, was the job termination necessary or unnecessary,” he said at the press conference also attended by Christopher and 27 village chiefs, KANs and WKANs.
He said if the District Chief had failed or erred in his scope of work, then disciplinary action should have been meted out on him.
“But I dare to say here that he (Christopher) has never done anything wrong (during the course of his work),” he said.
He said it is really unfair to the person if he was sacked from his job without any prior notice.
And if age was the reason for the OKK’s “removal” from his position, he said there is no provision in the Native Affairs Constitution that stated the District Chief must relinguish his job once he has reached 65.
Michael said as long as the person is still healthy, he could continue serving the people.
And in Christopher’s case, he said the latter has opted to carry out his duty as long as he is physically and mentally capable.
In his respect, he said the PCLWA wished to state that they do not agree with the appointment of the “incoming District Chief” Sylvester Disimon.
“It could be that the authority does not know about his background … they should have asked the present District Chief or the association for their opinion first.
“Please don’t misunderstand our intention. We support the government but its decision must be fair and just.
Christopher, on the other hand, said he has never met anyone for favours throughout his 31 years serving as a community leader.
His appointment as village chief for 21 years, native chief for eight years and District Chief for one year and five months was all endorsed by the people and elected representative.
He was appointed as village chief of Kampong Tuavon in 1979, an appointment that his late uncle OKK Datuk Jintol Mogunting, who was former Penampang District Chief from 1976 until until 2002, had strongly supported.
He received the job termination letter dated July 23 this year signed by Director of Native Affairs Council, Mohd Said Hinayat on Aug 12.
Adapted from Daily Express Saturday, August 15, 2009.
PENAMPANG: The Sabah Native Affairs Council was Thursday urged to consult with the State Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties in the constituency concerned before announcing the appointment of customary leaders, especially the position of District Chief.
Moyog PBS chief, John Masabal, said the “appointment” of Penampang new District Chief, Sylvester Disimon, was not discussed among the components here.
“I was made to understand that the appointment of Sylvester was only presented through the Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS), of which Sylvester is the Deputy President.
“This is not in line with the normal practice of appointment presented via the elected representative (of the constituency),” he said.
The KSS, he said, is only an organization and, thus, the reason why BN component parties in Penampang is unhappy with Sylvester’s appointment.
John, who is also Special Officer to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, was commenting on the controversy involving Sylvester and OKK Christopher Mojungkim who insisted he is still the rightful Penampang District (Chief).
He said a District Chief should be picked among those who have experience handling customary affairs in the respective locality.
He said there are many Native Chiefs (KAN) or Native Chief Representatives (WKAN) in Penampang who have been doing good job for decades.
These people, he said, should be given the opportunity to be promoted as District Chief.
Adapted from Daily Express Friday, 14th August, 2009
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Vice President Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan said the State Government must clarify the position of the Penampang District Chief.
“The Chief Minister should clarify this matter as to quash rumours going round here that UMNO is behind this. A clarification hopefully will put things to rest and avoid confusion among the people in Penampang.
“Rumour has it that Datuk Marcel Leiking, an UMNO member and also President of Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS), is pushing for a particular person to take over as District Chief. A clarification is all is needed to quash this rumour,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
According to Dr. Jeffrey, who is also KDCA Deputy President, if it is true (UMNO involvement) then this does reflect the spirit of the One Malaysia concept as consultation seems to be absent.
“If the rumour is found to be true, then this only goes to show that UMNO is an unchanged party. It continues to bully other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.
“There should be consultation among colleagues, including with the current District Chief, who had said he was still healthy and upbeat to serve,” he said when commenting on the on-going issue revolving current chief Christopher Mojungkim and a contender, Sylvester Disimon.
The Borneo Post reported on Tuesday that the State Government had appointed Sylvester as the new Penampang District Chief, taking over from Christopher who retires by end of this month.
On Monday, the newly appointed District Chief submitted his letter of acceptance to Penampang District Officer William Sampil in his office. He will assume his office from September 2008.
Adapted from The Borneo Post Thursday, August 13, 2009.
Kota Kinabalu: Daily Express. The Penampang District Chief controversy unveiled a new development Wednesday when the letter to inform OKK Christopher Mojungkim that he has been replaced finally reached him.
According to him, the letter that was signed by the Director of the Native Affairs Council, Mohd Said Hinayat, was given to him yesterday by a clerk from the District Office.
The letter, he said, was dated July 23, 2009.
He said he is really saddened with the situation because it is as if they don’t appreciate his years of contribution to the people.
“I am also deeply embarrassed by this episode because I came to know about my termination from the newspaper before the official letter finally reached me,” he said.
Never to give up, Christopher said he would still come to the office at the Native Court in the Penampang District come September 1 even though the letter clearly stated “incoming” District Chief, Sylvester Disimon, will be replacing him.
“Even my children and supporters have been asking why am I being treated like this,” he said.
He said the least they should have done was the courtesy of informing him personally.
He suspected that there is a “conspiracy” to oust him from the position.
On Tuesday, he said despite the District Chief position is only a political appointment there is no provision in the Native Affairs Constitution for age limit.
He said the District Chief could carry out his duty as long as he feels he is still capable of contributing.
Christopher, who is 66, said he was previously a village chief for 21 years and native chief for eight years while District Chief, for one year and five months.
“I am still strong and I think I can contribute my knowledge and experience for another 15 years,” he said.
He said Sylvester, who is his second cousin of the Wong Sim Ting clan, has never met him to discuss about the replacement.
A press conference has been arranged tomorrow (Friday) at the Penampang Native Court at 8.30am.
Sylvester, who is former general manager of Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (SHTDA), submitted his letter of acceptance to Penampang District Officer, William Sampil, in the presence of Kampung Hubah Village Chief, Bernard B. Jominol, Native Chief Marcus Johnioh and Vice President of Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS), Freddy Ekol.
His uncle Datuk Jintol Mogunting, was Penampang District Chief from 1976 until 2002. He is expected to assume his office as Penampang District Chief next month.
Adapted from Daily Express Thursday. 13th August, 2009
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